Summer Sausage Skillet Andouille

This Summer Sausage Skillet with Andouille Sausage is the kind of fast fresh dinner that turns late summer veggies and smoky sausage into a satisfying meal. A swirl of Basil Cilantro Crema on top brings it all together with a creamy tangy kick from garden herbs. My family has made a habit of eating this out on the patio when the corn stands pop up in our town.

I first developed this on a weeknight with random produce in the fridge and a package of sausage I needed to use. It was a new hit with everyone and we kept coming back to it all season. The Basil Cilantro Crema makes it feel way more special than the short ingredient list suggests.

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation that brings everything together Choose an olive oil with a peppery grassy finish for flavor
• Andouille Sausage: The star for hearty smoky flavor Try to get a natural-casing Andouille with a spicy bite
• Red onion: Adds gentle sweetness and color Look for firm deeply colored onions
• Red pepper and orange pepper: These give sweetness crunch and color Pick ones with glossy skin for peak freshness
• Zucchini: For tender bite and freshness Smaller zucchini are less watery and have sweeter flavor
• Garlic salt: Lifts all the other flavors Use one with ground real garlic
• Sea salt: Essential to bring all the flavors forward Look for flaky or coarse sea salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper: Adds savory mellow heat Pre-grind it right before adding for best aroma
• Corn: Adds sweetness and crunch Use super fresh ears with plump golden kernels
• Basil and cilantro: For topping Fresh garden herbs add both aroma and color Use leaves with no bruises
• Optional poblano or jalapeno: For those who want spice Choose firm heavy peppers with smooth skin
• Mayonnaise and sour cream: For the creamy base of the Crema Use high quality full fat if you can
• Basil and cilantro: For the herby Crema punch Fresh and vibrant herbs are best
• Olive oil: A little extra richness and glossy finish on the Crema
• White pepper: For gentle earthier spice White pepper disappears into the Crema but adds flavor
• Lime juice: Fresh lime lifts the whole mix Go for a plump lime that yields to a gentle squeeze

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Basil Cilantro Crema:

Add mayonnaise sour cream basil cilantro olive oil garlic salt white pepper and lime juice to a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and green flecks disappear. Taste for salt and chill in the fridge if making ahead

Brown the Sausage:

Heat a large skillet over medium to high heat then swirl the extra virgin olive oil in the pan. When the oil shimmers add the sliced Andouille Sausage. Cook for three minutes on each side until the rounds are deep golden and crisp on the edges Remove the sausage to a plate and keep the flavorful oil in the pan

Char the Corn:

Preheat a grill or make room in the skillet for two ears of corn. Cook the cobs for four minutes per side directly over medium heat until grill marks or char spots appear and the corn is cooked through For grill cooking close the grill for extra smokiness

Cook the Aromatics:

Add diced red onion to the same skillet without wiping it out The sausage drippings add flavor Sauté for three to five minutes over medium to high heat until just soft and fragrant

Char the Peppers:

Add chopped red and orange peppers to the onion and cook another three to five minutes Keep the heat up so the peppers begin to char at the edges

Add the Zucchini and Season:

Add sliced and quartered zucchini garlic salt sea salt and black pepper Stir well and press the zucchini flat so it makes good contact with the pan Cook for three to five minutes stirring occasionally until zucchini is just tender and lightly charred

Add Corn and Sausage:

Cut the corn off the cobs and add kernels back to the skillet along with the browned sausage Toss everything together and cook for about two minutes to combine flavors

Finish with Herbs:

Turn off the heat Remove the skillet from the burner Let cool for about three minutes Then stir in chopped basil and cilantro right before serving

Serve:

Spoon skillet veggies and sausage into bowls Drizzle with Basil Cilantro Crema Serve alone or over rice with extra salt and pepper as needed

Pin it

You Must Know

My favorite part is always the corn I love how grilling it adds smoky sweetness that soaks up the sausage flavor My youngest always makes me let her cut the corn off the cob because she insists on eating every last kernel

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The crema can be stored separately and will keep even longer If freezing skip the crema until reheating as dairy sauces do not freeze well

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find Andouille Sausage use another smoked sausage like kielbasa or chorizo For more veg try swapping in yellow squash asparagus or even green beans Sweet Italian sausage works for a milder taste or make it vegetarian with plant based sausage

Serving suggestions

Pile the skillet mixture over steamed rice or quinoa for a heartier meal Add a sunny side egg for brunch or stuff into toasted buns for an easy hoagie night The crema is great as a tangy dip for tortilla chips on the side

Cultural and historical context

Andouille Sausage roots back to French and Louisiana Creole traditions It is popular for its smoky spicy savoriness often used in gumbos and jambalaya The skillet method is a nod to quick American weeknight meals that maximize seasonal produce and bold main ingredients

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I substitute another sausage for Andouille?

Yes, you can use smoked sausage, kielbasa, or your preferred sausage. Andouille adds a unique smoky flavor, but feel free to use what you like or have on hand.

→ How do I get a good char on the vegetables?

Cook vegetables over medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan. Let them sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop color before stirring.

→ Can the skillet be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage or replace it with plant-based sausage alternatives for a flavorful vegetarian meal.

→ What can I serve alongside this skillet?

It's delicious over steamed rice, with crusty bread, or paired with a simple summer salad to round out the meal.

→ How do I prepare the Basil Cilantro Crema?

Blend mayonnaise, sour cream, basil, cilantro, olive oil, garlic salt, white pepper, and fresh lime juice until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.

→ Can I add extra heat to this dish?

For added spice, include diced poblano or jalapeno pepper while sautéing the vegetables, or serve hot sauce on the side.